Andover Town1–1Headley United

Bank Holiday Special

After a wake-up tea made and maybe a quiet 5 minutes on the computer, Jobless after entering her rent-free palace wanders over to one of her many treat feeding stations (girl likes her treats-Ed.), a quick scratch behind her ear and strokes finds a dry cat so at least the weather is dry early morning. A difference from a wind-blown and wet rain-soaked Sporting Wessex let’s hope the result is different. Preparations are well under way for our annual music festival (you mean more adult beverages were brought yesterday-Ed.). We have even discussed the tent repair that must be done (real progress there-Ed.). Well must be nearly out the PJs and breakfast time. A phone call from Blue Army Alan’s secretary with information of an early taxi pick up time to swing by and pick up Cliff, up the ranks swelled. The usual pre kick off shenanigans ensued of getting the team sheets for the board (Martina sterling work for years there) whilst trying to talk to people (apologies there Bob) leaving no time to put the flags up. A quick name check with Ali whom is actually Mohammed (sorry about the last match report) and nice to see you following us.

A quick walk to The Bob Bank End, brolly ready for action (a brolly? Turning soft-Ed.) and we were off. Town to kick off (finally taking notes-Ed.) a few encouraging words to Luke Holden “Shoot from kick off I’ll pay you a tenner” saw the Headley keeper running back to his goal line. As Luke shaped up to shoot the vast crowd went silent waiting with antica…………pation, he passed back the crowd went mild. With the game under way Town saw 3 shots in the first 10 minutes blocked. Then nothing happened for 32 minutes, both teams trying to pass the ball and surprising the crowd by not being peak Barcelona they kind of nullified each other with the promising ball being cut out or going astray. Into the last 10 minutes the danger time with the “don’t do anything silly keep it tight lads get in nil- nil and sort out for the second half” going through my head, when on 42 minutes a 1-2 between Luke Holden and Jack Langdon saw a perfect low drive across the keeper smash into the net. The Blue Army went into celebration overdrive - the last time we scored in the danger minutes to take the lead was a long time ago. 1 nil Town. 3 minutes later the Ref blew. Glad to get the least memorable half out the way.

A roll round to The Graham Cousins Main Stand a quick hello to Beryl and onwards to collect refreshment (cheers Bob) Kim Trapnell doing absolute sterling work at the Mini Bar. A few words with Keith in the Alan Mussell Shed End, more waking him up after that half. Blue Army Alan and Cliff put the flag up, I stood organizing (or taking refreshments-Ed.) we were joined for 20 minutes with Big Chris a natter and catch up good to see you fella.

With that the action was on again, who knows what was in the half time water Town looked in complete control with the Headley keeper getting some practice in, Luke giving their subbed centre back a warm welcome leaving him in a heap. Jack and Scott Ellis doing fine work on the wings, the only problem crosses should have been shots and shots, crosses still it will come. Then theunthinkable happened Headley found a way up the pitch with their forward going along the edge of the 18 yard box shot low and slow wrong footing Lewis Reid in The Town goal, no the our first goal conceded at home by the first shot of an opposing team. Town kicked off and continued and with the pressure continuing on the Headley goal the amount of Town corners was racking up when finally Jake Flitter nodded in 2-1 Town, nope disallowed for a push the only person infront of him Owen, words fail me. Back to 1-1. Town continued with the pressure Henrick coming on gave us more speed down the left still Town couldn’t find a way through. A break in play as a Headley player went down, the call was an uncontested drop ball for the Headley keeper who at this point still had his water bottle in hand, the Ref dropped the ball and blew for play to resume the keeper ran back to throw his water bottle in the net and Luke sprinted forward 10 yards to poke the ball in the net. The Ref signaled for a goal 2-1 Town. The Headley players surrounded the Ref who changed his mind back to 1-1. Complete Benny Hill for the second game running still that is why I love non-league. With time running out the game petered out without Town looking likely to score or concede, the final whistle went and a feeling of 2 points dropped came over us. 1-1 it stayed but plenty of talking points for years to come.

Well thanks for reading if you got this far.

As always thanks to Editor and Chris The Tech for making me look good.

I take a break next weekend so see you at the Denmead game.

Ooooooh I didn’t mention the new kit that looks sharp will it be available in the club shop?

Martyn